Health expert Leslie Sansone continues her groundbreaking program of walking for fitness with the bestselling Walk Away the Pounds exercise series. Designed for at-home use, Leslie's series is a safe yet effective approach to exercise that is tailor-made for all fitness levels and abilities. This volume blends walking with kicking, an invigorating way to burn fat and calories while boosting metabolism and toning muscles for a total body workout.

3 Reviews

Walking meets kickboxing. A good workout that doesn't overwhelm the beginning exerciser.

I have written a number of reviews of Leslie Sansone workouts and, generally, I enjoy them. That is certainly the case with Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds Walk and Kick. This is a walking workout with a some kickboxing elements that are just enough to change up the routine but by no means is this workout overwhelming or too tough for the beginning exerciser.

About the Workout

This workout is just 30 minutes long. Leslie is front and center with four of her "walk friends" behind her. The set is, as usual, quite simple. Leslie's personality is what makes this workout fun, not the set or special effects.

As always, the four basic walk steps are used in the workout but, at intervals, you will also do some mild kicking and punching. The workout begins with a warm up walk then gets into a kickboxing interval. Trust me, this is not Tae-Bo or even Tae-Bo Lite. However, the kicks and punches do get the heart rate up and are a fun diversion from the usual walking. After a few minutes, you will slow down and walk again, allowing your heart rate to slow down. Interval cardio is much better for you than straight cardio with no breaks and this workout incorporates interval training well.

There are four kickboxing intervals throughout the workout and each is just enough for the beginner or intermediate exerciser to feel it but nothing on this DVD will exhaust or overwhelm you. That is why I like Leslie Sansone's workouts. She doesn't overwhelm or overtax me yet I still get in a decent cardio workout and have fun doing it.

Finally, you will cool down and you are done. The 30 minutes fly.

My Impression

This is one of my favorite Leslie Sansone workouts because I am a fan of Tae-Bo and other kick boxing workouts but I don't like to kill myself trying to keep up with Billy Blanks very often. This workout combines common punches, jabs, and low kicks with traditional walking. The intervals are good for my heart and I do feel my heartbeat speed up and slow down throughout the workout.

Leslie, as always, is friendly and easy to workout with. I like her jabber and her interaction with the other exercisers. It's as if I am working out with friends. However, after a few viewings, I get bored hearing the same dialog so I will do the workout listening to my iPod since following the steps and moves is easy after a few run-throughs. Now and then, I will watch with the sound on just to get that "working out with friends" vibe again.

Leslie is good at reminding us of form and modifications so it is really important to listen to the workout a few times before drifting off into your own world.

For me, this is a solid 30 minute workout that's fun and a bit more challenging that the usual walk workouts. I feel it more than I do when I am doing a walk workout and my upper body gets some work in which is so important. This DVD really gets me going and gets the energy flowing. I think beginners could do it after watching once to get the hang if it but definitely anyone who has ever done any sort of kick boxing or have even seen it done should be able to tackle this workout without too much trouble.

It's fun and it's effective!

Buying Info

This workout is available at a number of online sites that sell fitness workouts as well as on Leslie's site. It is also available offline at mass-market and DVD stores. It's not expensive. I think I paid about $10.00 for my copy and this was quite a while ago.

Wrap Up

Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds Walk and Kick is a step up from her usual straight walk workouts.

Incorporating basic kickboxing moves and interval training, this 30 minute DVD is a fun cardio workout that beginners and intermediate exercises will enjoy. I like this workout a lot because I enjoy kickboxing but don't always enjoy the hard work that comes with it. This isn't an easy workout but it is at a level where I feel comfortable doing it and don't get overwhelmed or out of breath while following it.

This is a 4 star workout. Obviously, those in great shape will find this too short and too easy but those of us who are weekend warriors or who are looking for a challenging - but not excruciatingly tough - workout will find this one covers all the bases.